TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — High school fall sports teams in Florida began playing games last week.
For volleyball teams in the Big Bend area, things may look a little different but everyone is excited to be back and playing the sport they love.
"All of quarantine I was really nervous and itching to play ball again," said Kate Krizner, a Maclay Junior.
Balls being spiked. Sneakers squeaking, and cheers being cheered. It's good to be back.
"Grateful to be competing," said Emily Serpico, the head volleyball coach at St. John Paul II. "It just feels so good to be on the court. We're excited to have a season."
"Being back with the team has been amazing," Krizner said. "It's such a blessing."
Things may look a little different.
"We've actually gone through quite a few masks trying to figure out which one is most breathable," said Daijah Washington, Maclay's head volleyball coach.
"It's definitely a little awkward at times, not switching, waving instead of shaking hands," Serpico said.
"We're implementing the elbows and no hand to hand contact and making sure we're using our water bottles instead of drinking out of the fountain and stuff like that," said Washington. "Definitely a lot of changes."
Changes that are welcome if it means they can stay in the gym.
"High fiving each other after a great play brings the energy and momentum," Krizner said. "It kind of takes a little bit away to have to fist bump and elbow bump, but we're getting used to it."
"We didn't know if we would have the opportunity to play this year so to be grateful for every time we step on the court and make the sacrifices we need to, whether that's wearing a mask or keeping our distance," said Serpico. "We'll make it happen."
Making it happen so they can keep hearing the cheers.
Teams in Florida will play through October 10. Postseason play will begin on October 12.
